The book dances on a dark edge and frolics in naughtiness but is mostly a hot "villains redeemed" fantasy romp.
An assassin is hired to take out a notorious crime lord, but she finds herself caught in a web of desire and uncertainty when it turns out that the infamous villain just might be a hero.
Seven years after her sister disappeared into the horrifying maze of a sex-trafficking ring run by an enigmatic man known as Jericho, assassin Temple Cross has been hired to kill him. It's a job she's pleased to accept, and she hopes to find out what happened to Thalia before he takes his last breath. Allowing herself to be “caught” in the slave trade gives her the opportunity to get up close and personal with Jericho, who's movie-star handsome and so sexually compelling it takes her breath away. Even more surprising, their incendiary attraction to each other keeps them both alive long enough to create an odd sympathy between them that leads to the realization that neither is what they seem, and beneath their cruel reputations and emotional armor, they are both righteous warriors whose missions have led them down questionable paths. After Temple learns the truth about what happened to her sister—and Jericho’s role in her fate—she begins to dig deeper into his secrets, and as she becomes aware of the dangerous game he’s playing, she’s more worried about his survival than fulfilling her contract to see him dead. Jericho’s many enemies are closing in, and just when Temple begins to believe in redemption, time may run out on their chance for a happy ending. There’s no question that Ashenden has a knack for redemptive characters, pulse-pounding conflict, and a roller-coaster plot, though the occasional slipped detail or not-quite-believable element pulls us out of the story here and there.
The book dances on a dark edge and frolics in naughtiness but is mostly a hot "villains redeemed" fantasy romp.Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-250-07786-8
Page Count: 432
Publisher: St. Martin's
Review Posted Online: Sept. 20, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
A fun, snappy read about the over-the-top world of private school admissions and the unbreakable bonds of family.
The director of admissions at a prestigious private school attempts to balance her job, her family, and her love life in Frank and Youmans’ debut.
Once upon a time, Josie Bordelon was walking the catwalk as a sought-after fashion model. Now that she’s almost 40, she’s the director of admissions at Fairchild Country Day School, an ultraprestigious private school in San Francisco. Josie’s used to being the only black woman in a largely white male–dominated field, and after all these years, she knows what to expect from her job—overscheduled children, pushy parents, and a boss who wants to undermine her. While she may be killing it at work, her personal life is another story. She hasn’t had a serious boyfriend in years, much to the chagrin of her Aunt Viv and her best friend, Lola. It’s too bad that the only man who’s caught Josie’s eye lately is a married and gay dad of a prospective student. And even though Josie just wants her daughter, Etta, to attend an Ivy League college and major in something practical, Etta insists she wants to follow her ballet dreams and study dance at Julliard. But it turns out that Etta’s career goals aren’t the only shock Josie’s about to face—her job, her romantic life, and her own Aunt Viv have plenty of surprises up their sleeves. While Josie’s budding relationship is certainly interesting, it takes a back seat to the rest of the plot, and it never quite gets the chance to blossom. The book shines, however, when it comes to the Bordelon women, especially Josie’s hardworking and hilariously meddling Aunt Viv, who clearly loves Josie and Etta more than anything. The family’s bond comes across vividly on the page, manifesting in sometimes-gentle and occasionally not-so-gentle banter among the three women. Frank and Youmans create strong voices even for the side characters, like Josie’s no-nonsense teacher BFF, her quick-witted assistant, her clueless boss, and Etta’s snooty ballet teacher.
A fun, snappy read about the over-the-top world of private school admissions and the unbreakable bonds of family.Pub Date: May 5, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-08502-8
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2020
Complications abound in this well-crafted, light holiday romance.
Talented baker Polly Waterford doesn’t know what to do when her best friend, Kerensa, swears her to secrecy. Kerensa’s drunken one-night stand may jeopardize not only her pregnancy, but also her marriage, not to mention Polly’s engagement to Huckle.
Fans of Colgan's (The Café by the Sea, 2017, etc.) Mount Polbearne stories will delight—and new fans will find an easy, charming entry into the saga—as Polly, Huckle, and Neil (the puffin) return for the Christmas season. Having survived the dissolution of her graphic design business, Polly is now happily ensconced with Huckle, whose honey business is not yet thriving, in the historic lighthouse they bought in the sweet Cornish village (practically an island) whose only road to civilization is submerged under the sea twice each day. As the yuletide season approaches, however, Polly must face a bewildering number of obstacles. Is she ready to marry Huckle? Is she ready to start a family? How can she know when her own father abandoned her before she was even born? How can she give up an entire day’s profits to the Mount Polbearne Christmas fair? How can she save the endangered puffin sanctuary? How will she ever bake enough for the fair plus cater a huge holiday party for Kerensa and her fabulously wealthy husband, Reuben? And how will Kerensa ever survive Reuben’s wrath if the baby turns out not to be his but some 6-foot-4 Brazilian man’s? Supported by the ever faithful Huckle and Neil's endearing eeps, Polly carries on from the cozy bed in the icy lighthouse, trailing flour and knishes wherever she goes. Keeping secrets, pleasing everyone, and balancing so many jobs keeps Polly busy—that is, until a massive winter storm threatens everything.
Complications abound in this well-crafted, light holiday romance.Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-06-266299-6
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: July 16, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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